Arsenal supporters could be excited by the possibility of seeing Gabriel Martinelli return to the Emirates Stadium, with the Brazilian winger remaining a memorable figure among the club’s recent attacking stars. His pace, determination, direct running and ability to produce important goals made him a popular player during his time in north London.
Martinelli departed Arsenal for Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal in September 2026 in a deal reported to be worth around £60 million. His departure marked the end of an important chapter in his career with the Gunners, but speculation about a possible reunion would undoubtedly attract attention among Arsenal supporters.
Although a return to Arsenal has not been confirmed, the idea of Martinelli wearing the famous red and white shirt again is an intriguing prospect. The Brazilian possesses qualities that could appeal to Mikel Arteta if the club ever considered bringing him back to strengthen its attacking options.
Martinelli’s Arsenal Journey
Martinelli joined Arsenal from Brazilian club Ituano in 2019 and quickly demonstrated why the north London club had invested in his potential. Despite arriving as a relatively young and less-established player, he adapted to English football and gradually developed into an important member of the first-team squad.
His speed and willingness to attack defenders made him particularly dangerous on the left wing. Martinelli regularly attempted to take opponents on, exploit spaces behind defensive lines and create opportunities for his teammates.
The Brazilian also demonstrated an impressive ability to score goals from wide positions. His movement inside the penalty area, powerful finishing and determination to press opponents helped him become an important attacking option.
Under Arteta, Martinelli continued to develop his understanding of Arsenal’s tactical approach. He became familiar with the demands of playing in a team expected to dominate possession while remaining dangerous during quick transitions.
His journey at Arsenal included memorable performances, important goals and periods in which he played a significant role in the club’s attacking development.
Why a Return Could Interest Arsenal
If Arsenal ever explored the possibility of bringing Martinelli back, his familiarity with the club would be an obvious advantage.
Unlike a new signing arriving from another league, Martinelli already understands the expectations surrounding Arsenal. He has experience playing at the Emirates Stadium, competing in the Premier League and working within Arteta’s demanding tactical system.
That experience could help him settle quickly if a reunion became possible.
Arsenal also need attacking players capable of providing different solutions against different opponents. Martinelli’s ability to stretch defensive lines with his pace could be particularly useful when opponents defend deep and leave limited space around the penalty area.
His direct approach offers something valuable in matches when Arsenal need to increase their attacking intensity. Rather than relying exclusively on short passing combinations, the Gunners could use his acceleration to attack defenders and create opportunities in one-on-one situations.
However, these are potential sporting reasons for a reunion, not evidence that Arsenal are currently negotiating to re-sign him.
Arteta’s Tactical Considerations
Arteta has consistently demanded discipline, intelligent positioning and hard work from his attacking players. Wingers must contribute to the team’s pressing structure while making effective decisions in possession.
Martinelli previously gained experience in this environment and demonstrated his willingness to work for the collective effort.
A hypothetical return would therefore raise interesting tactical possibilities. He could compete for a position on the left wing, provide an alternative attacking option or give Arsenal additional depth during a demanding schedule.
His pace could also be valuable against opponents who push their defensive lines forward. Martinelli has the acceleration to threaten the space behind defenders, forcing opposing teams to reconsider how aggressively they commit players to attack.
Nevertheless, Arsenal would need to assess his current performances, fitness, financial demands and suitability for the squad before considering any potential deal.
The club would also need to determine whether bringing back a former player offered better value than recruiting a different winger.
Arsenal Supporters Would Welcome the Possibility
Martinelli established a connection with Arsenal supporters through his energy, commitment and attacking style. Fans appreciated his willingness to chase lost causes, press defenders and continue attacking even when matches became difficult.
For supporters who enjoyed watching him develop, the possibility of a return would naturally create excitement.
Football has a long history of players returning to former clubs after experiencing different challenges elsewhere. Such reunions can sometimes benefit both parties, particularly when a player has gained valuable experience and the club has identified a clear role for him.
However, nostalgia alone would not be enough to justify a transfer. Arsenal would need to establish whether Martinelli could improve the current squad and whether the financial conditions were realistic.
The Brazilian’s departure also represented a significant financial transaction for the club. Any future attempt to bring him back would require careful consideration of Al-Hilal’s position and the player’s own ambitions.
The Financial Challenge of a Possible Reunion
One of the biggest obstacles to a potential Martinelli return would be the financial side of the deal.
Arsenal reportedly received around £60 million when the winger joined Al-Hilal. A future transfer could therefore involve a substantial fee, depending on his performances, contract situation and the Saudi club’s willingness to negotiate.
Wages would be another important consideration. Arsenal must balance their desire to strengthen the squad with the need to maintain a sustainable wage structure.
The club would also have to consider its other transfer priorities. Strengthening the attack is only one part of building a squad capable of competing consistently for major honours.
For a reunion to make sense, Arsenal would need to believe that Martinelli could provide enough quality to justify the overall investment.
At the same time, the player would need to be interested in returning to the Premier League and accepting the role available to him.
Without confirmation from the clubs or reliable reports of negotiations, any discussion about a transfer remains speculative.
What Martinelli Could Bring Back to the Emirates
If the Brazilian ever returned, his biggest contribution could be the attacking unpredictability he offers.
Martinelli is comfortable receiving the ball in wide areas, driving towards defenders and making runs into dangerous positions. Those qualities can help a possession-based team avoid becoming predictable when opponents defend compactly.
His experience at Arsenal could also allow him to understand the movement of established teammates more quickly than an unfamiliar signing.
Furthermore, competition for attacking places could encourage greater consistency across the squad. Arsenal need quality options capable of maintaining their level when injuries, suspensions or fixture congestion affect selection.
A returning Martinelli would still have to earn his place, but his previous experience with the club could provide a useful starting point.
Ultimately, his success in a hypothetical second spell would depend on performances rather than reputation.
Conclusion
Gabriel Martinelli’s departure from Arsenal closed an important chapter in his career, but the possibility of a future reunion would remain an interesting subject for supporters.
His pace, technical ability, Premier League experience and familiarity with Arteta’s methods are qualities that could make him an attractive option if Arsenal ever decided to pursue him again.
However, there is currently no confirmed agreement establishing that Martinelli is set to return to the Emirates Stadium. Any suggestion of an imminent reunion should therefore be treated as speculation rather than established transfer news.
For now, Arsenal supporters can remember the Brazilian’s contributions while watching how his career develops at Al-Hilal. Whether their paths cross again in the future remains an open question.
